Railroad Conductor Paper Mask (1981) - original package

This nostalgic Railroad Conductor paper mask, issued in 1981, was marketed as an “old fashioned” throwback to the golden age of rail travel. Packaged with a set of 8 embossed railroad emblems (stick-on insignias), it allowed children to play dress-up as a classic train conductor—complete with cap and badges.

Produced by Merrimack Publishing Corp. in New York but printed in Hong Kong, these masks were part of a wave of vintage-inspired novelties from the early 1980s. They were sold as inexpensive toys and party favors, but today they survive as kitschy collectibles tied to the romantic imagery of American railroading.

Measures: 9 x 10 inches
Date: 1981
Origin: Merrimack Publishing Corp., New York (printed in Hong Kong)

Rarity: While not as scarce as pre-1950s cereal or advertising masks, conductor-themed masks from this period—especially sealed examples with all emblems—are not commonly found today. Most surviving masks show wear.